This property was acquired for water supply protection in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40N, Section, and Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution.
This parcel was funded by a Massachusetts Drinking Water Protection Supply Grant and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission and will remain in a natural, scenic and open condition for the purpose of wildlife conservation, forest health and drinking water supply protection.
Acreage
The Bliss Conservation Area is 190 Acres.
Parking/Access
Bliss Conservation Area is accessible off South Otis Road in the southwestern part of Blandford.
History
This land was purchased from Shawn Bliss in 2015.
Permitted Recreational Activities
- Hiking
- Cross Country Skiing and snowshoeing
- Non-commercial hunting
- Wildlife observation
Prohibited Recreational Activities
- Campfires, open fires, cookouts, or picnics
- Camping
- Mountain biking
- Filling, storing, placing or dumbing of any kind
- Introduction of a non-native plant, animal or insect
- Activities detrimental to drainage flood control, water conservation, water quality, erosion, etc.
- Domestic animals or livestock
- Drunkenness, breach of peace, profanity, disorderly conduct
- Vandalism
- Construction of any object or structure
- Swimming or wading
- Fishing and organized sport activities, including but not limited to orienteering, road races, etc.
- Public assemblies or group of more than 10 persons unless with written permission from the commission.
- Motorized vehicles of any kind
- Boats, of any kind, with or without motors
- Metal detectors or the use of similar devices
Notable Features
A large wetland encompasses the western part of the property. Beaver have made their home here, and you can see evidence of their presence in the downed trees along the forest’s edge.
The western boundary of this property abuts Tolland State Forest, which has hiking trails.